Medically compromised conditions among Dental patients: A prospective study of the attitude of patients toward medication and medical recall visits.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of patients seeking dental care may present with one or more medical conditions. Information on medical history, drug used and attitude to medical recall visit is vital for planning dental treatment in this group of patients.

OBJECTIVES: To study the attitude of dental patients with medical condition toward their medication and medical recall visits.

METHODS: This prospective study was conducted among consecutive new patients presenting to the Dental centre, UMTH, Maiduguri, between January and December 2012. The data were collected through a structured questionnaire.

RESULTS: Of 566 new patients seen during the study period, 92 patients (16.3%) had medically compromised conditions. Male Female ratio was 1:1.4 and a mean age 43.3 +/- 16.1 years. Hypertension 91(5.7%) was the most prevalent medical problem. Forty-four (47.8%) kept regular medical recall appointments while 15 (16.3%) only visited their physician when they have perceived symptoms of their ailment. Fifty-three (57.6%) take their medications regularly as prescribed by their physician while 14.1% of the patients had on their own stopped their medication.

CONCLUSION: Appreciable number of the patients showed good drug compliance and regular recall visit to their physician, however there is still some level of poor drug compliance and irregular observance of medical recall appointments among the subjects. Oral health awareness instructions should include counselling and motivation on drug compliance and adherence to medical visit.